Effects of sympathetic stimulation on use dependence of lidocaine, mexiletine, and quinidine in an intact canine model

Open chest canine preparation (n=20 total: lidocaine n=6, mexiletine n=8, quinidine n=6)

Continuous infusion of sodium channel blockers (lidocaine, mexiletine, or quinidine) combined with global sympathetic activation via nondecentralized left stellate ganglion stimulation (4–10 Hz, 6–12 V, 2 ms)

Control studies with or without left stellate stimulation, and drug infusion without stellate stimulation

Change in His to surface ventricular activation (HV) time at differing atrial paced rates (use-dependent effect on conduction)surrogate